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Get ready to dive into all things fall for your next Relief Society or Young Women’s activity night! We’ve rounded up some of the most-loved fall activities to spark inspiration and make your event one to remember. Keep reading for all the cozy, fun ideas!

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Okay, we know we just said Relief Society and Young Women’s activities but really these activities are great for Young Men’s, Primary activities, and yes, even Family Home Evening. Each activity also includes a great way to tie in a gospel message. Enjoy the fun!

Junk-o-lanterns

These are always a hit with youth and primary groups but we would do it in Relief Society too. You’ll love that there’s no carving or messy paint AND you get to clean out some junk in the garage. Plus they get to use screwdrivers and hammers. The idea is to use all sorts of metal to create a fantastic design for your pumpkin. It’s a beautiful chaotic creation because it doesn’t have to actually turn out to be anything. It’s just fun to stick all sorts of random things into the pumpkin and get creative. My boys started doing this in Primary activities and still do it in Young Men’s because they love it so much.

Encourage your group to bring metal junk from their homes. Odds are people have that weird pile of screws or bolts. If you need to buy a few things, we recommend small gauge wire (thin enough you can bend it on your own but you can still stick it in a pumpkin), various screw sizes, and whatever is cheap at the store. One year, there were a couple of wheels and those were a big hit! Who knew your pumpkin skate? All supplies are pooled together then let the creations commence! If you have a younger group, stick to just screwdrivers, hammers can be a little dangerous.

Pssttt…. gourds and squashes also work!

Gospel Tie-In: Discuss how God can take the rough pieces of our life and make it into something beautiful just like we did with our junk-o-lanterns. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk, “God Will Do Something Unimaginable” from October 2020 is a great one to reference.

Dried Flowers or Painted Pumpkins

Looking to add a touch of beauty instead? Try mod podging dried flowers onto pumpkins. You’ll end up with beautiful fall decor that will last throughout the month. The variety of pumpkin colors, from classic orange to muted whites and greens, adds an extra layer of charm and versatility to this project too. Watch as each pumpkin becomes a personalized work of art, as participants can select their favorite flowers and color combinations to suit their style.

Painted pumpkins are another fantastic option, especially for those who enjoy playing with color and design. Stencils are a great way to help guide those who might feel a bit intimidated by freehand painting. Provide a collection of inspiring images, simple design ideas, and themes to help spark creativity. These pumpkin crafts are perfect for fostering community spirit and allowing each person to express their individuality.

Gospel Tie-In: Discuss how we are all creators. We created these beautiful pumpkins but we can create so much more! Sister Mary Ellen Smoot has some great examples you can talk about in her April 2000 General Conference talk, “We Are Creators.” This would also be a great one to talk about caring for God’s earth. Bishop Gérald Caussé gave a great talk, “Our Earthly Stewardship” in October 2022 that you could use to discuss.

Learn to Make Pies

With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming around the corner, pies are the perfect thing to learn to make as a church group. Go with some classic pies but also some lesser known or maybe crazy pies for fun such as that apple pie that’s really made with Ritz crackers. Start the evening with a cooking demonstration or assembly line of making pies. Then enjoy chatting while you munch on the pies. If you don’t want to make a whole pie, try pies in a cup. They are faster and you can find a bunch of recipes on Pinterest.

A blind taste test with a variety of pies is a fun addition to this party. Vote for your favorites or see who can get the most correct answers. Pin the dollop on the pie can be fun or give everyone their own name if they were a pie.

Don’t want to make pies? Invite everyone to bring their favorite (even if it’s store bought) and do a winner’s bracket. Which pie is truly the best? After everyone has had a chance to try a little bit of them all, take votes between two pies at a time until you can declare a winner!

P.S. Be sure people know what’s in all the pies so those will allergies, diabetes, etc. can enjoy this activity safely.

Gospel Tie-In: Pretty much anything with the word or acronym for pie such as Pie-oneer, Pie-mary (teachings, children), How to Make a Friendship Pie. Friendshipping or really ministering is perfect as you can eat pie while you chat with one another. It’s especially great for introducing people to their companions or those they minister to if they come. It’s also a fun one to combine Relief Society with Young Women’s or Elders Quorum and Young Men’s. Marci Coombs even tied pies into a leadership training.

Rake leaves in the community

Get to know your neighbors through service. Service with the purpose of getting out in your community. Start by spreading the word- hand out flyers at least a week in advance to let people know when you'll be coming by to help. To streamline things, consider using an online sign-up tool like SignUpGenius. People can sign up to help out as well as to get help. An online sign up tool makes it easy to involve more volunteers beyond your ward and helps you set clear expectations on how many people you can assist with the time you have. We know plenty of families who would love to join in a community service project. Remember to include those in your own ward who might need some extra help with their yards too.

To wrap up the day, plan a fun gathering where everyone can come together, share stories about their experiences, and maybe enjoy a quick slideshow of the day’s highlights. Throw in some tasty treats, and you've got the perfect ending to a day full of service, teamwork, and community connection!

Gospel Tie-In: Loving your neighbor, of course! Elder Allan T. Phillips has some great quotes you can share in his October 2023 General Conference talk, “God Knows and Loves You.”

Caramel Pears or Apples

How about combining a delicious sweet treat with an opportunity to minister to others? Hosting a caramel dipping party is the perfect chance to do both! While apples have long been the traditional favorite for caramel dipping, why not switch things up with caramel pears? Their beautiful, elegant curves make them a visually stunning and a delicious alternative. Whether you go for apples or pears, the fun is in the variety- dip them in rich caramel, then roll them in toppings like graham cracker crumbs, sprinkles, or drizzles of chocolate.

Grab our free printables to add a decorative touch to your caramel dipping party. These printables can serve as cute labels, fun tags, or even little cards to accompany the treats. Make one caramel pear for yourself and one for a neighbor. You can personalize each one with a sweet message or scripture so you can spread joy and connection with your caramel creations.

Gospel Tie-In: Ministering. Becoming Pear-fect. Elder Vern P. Stanfill’s Conference address, “The Imperfect Harvest” is a great one to relate. You could also go the pear-yer (prayer) route with President Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk, “Motions of a Hidden Fire”.

Dia de los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Day) is a time to reunite with depared family. It’s a two day holiday typically celebrated on November 1 and 2. We recommend doring a little research to truly understand this holiday first and join in the festivities appropriately. Enjoy some of the holiday’s traditions and food. It’ll be fun and tasty. You can also tie in your own ancestors and invite everyone to bring a dish to share that represents their family’s roots. Family history work is a great way to take this activity further. Head to your family history center and see who can get a bingo first with our free printable Bingo board.

Gospel Tie-In: Family history and gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. See Elder Benjamín De Hoyos’ address, “The Work of the Temple and Family History- One and the Same Work” for quotes to share.

Book night around a campfire

Fall is such a great time to enjoy a campfire. If you can, go outside and enjoy one! If it’s not possible, make a fake fire using logs, battery operated candles, and tissue paper. Invite everyone to bring their own camping chairs and a favorite book (or recent one they have read). Everyone then takes turns sharing about their book- what’s it about and why they like it. We all need more good books in our lives, especially this time of year when we can cozy up next to a fire and enjoy it with a blanket wrapped around us.

Try a book exchange too if people are willing to part with their copy. It’s fun to do this like a White Elephant party. You, of course, already know what everything is but you steal a book, pick a new one, etc. The dice version of this game is fun way to incorporate this. Instead of unwrapping a present, put it in a bag- makes it harder and more fun! We’ve also seen this activity done where everyone wraps their books and it is played like a traditional White Elephant party. Once they unwrap their book, the person who brought it explains what it’s about.

Gospel Tie-Ins: Seek out of the best books! We can, of course, talk about the greatest books, the scriptures. It’s also a good way to tie in how we make better choices when we walk in God’s light. This section in the For Strength of Youth booklet is great to review with adults and youth.

Sweater or sock pumpkins

Time to get crafty! Decorative pumpkins are easy to make with old sweaters and that one sock that lost its match. Encourage everyone to gather their fabric scraps, sweaters they no longer wear, and those single socks missing their match for a pumpkin-making night! Fabric scraps can be used to add leaves on the pumpkins too. You'll need some stuffing, thread, and a few sticks or cinnamon sticks for stems to bring these adorable pumpkins to life. Consider making extra to donate to senior centers, share with your ministering sisters, or brighten someone’s day with a handmade seasonal decoration.

Pumpkins are also a quick crochet or knit project. You can absolutely finish one in one activity as long as you don’t make it too big. Many youth and adults really want to learn these type of skills so take a night and enjoy crafting together.

Gospel Tie-Ins: Self-reliance! This craft is all about using things we already have and transforming them into something else. You can review some of the principles of self-reliance as people craft as well as share some of your group’s best tips for being thrifty. For example, when was the last time you checked out your local public library? Ours has engravers, sewing machines, 3D printers you can use as well as gives you free passes to the many of the local attractions.

Soup night

Did someone say soup for dinner? Share all your favorite soup recipes in this fun night. I used to hate soup…until I found one that I actually like. This night is about getting a variety to choose from and finding new favorites. Invite everyone to bring in a crockpot of soup or try a new recipe together. Or invite a few sisters to do a cooking demo of how to make their favorite soup. This can be pretend demos where you aren’t actually making the soup at that moment but showing them how to do the key parts and divulging important tips. Have the finished soups in crockpots waiting to be enjoyed after the demos. Add some fresh bread for a delightful end to your night.

Gospel Tie-In: This can be another self-reliance night or talk about the Comforter. When you eat soup it feels you with warmth, just like the Holy Ghost can. Discuss different ways we might experience the Holy Ghost. Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s talk, “Promptings of the Spirit” from October 2023 can help you discuss.

Nature hike

Embrace the beauty of fall by getting out into nature and enjoying the vibrant colors of the changing leaves! This time of year offers some of the best weather for outdoor adventures, making it perfect for a relaxing hike. You don’t need to travel far- find a local spot where you can fully appreciate the stunning autumn scenery- whether in the mountains or at a nearby park. Remember to look for accessible trails that are paved for those with strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone who needs a smoother path.

As you walk, take time to pause and soak in the crisp air and the breathtaking colors all around you. Be present and remember all we have to be grateful for including the rich reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves. End the walk with some hot chocolate and pumpkin bread!

Gospel Tie-In: Appreciating the creations of God- the beautiful world we live in and our amazing bodies that let us enjoy it, even when they aren’t perfect. Focusing on the topic of gratitude overall works too. We love President Thomas S. Monson’s talk, “The Divine Gift of Gratitude” from October 2010 as well as Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s address, “Grateful in Any Circumstance.”

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